It is believed the 41-year-old and the teenager had been picked up in a taxi from Newcastle city centre and got out in Dunston.

Paramedics treated Mr Turnbull, of Beech Drive, Dunston, at the scene but he later died.

Mr Turnbull, who leaves behind three sons – Cameron, 20, Kieran, 16, and John, 13 – has been described as “the best Dad in the world” by his family.

In a statement, the family said: “Myles was a family man with three sons. He was a happy-go-lucky lad.”

Residents in the area also spoke of their shock as they woke to discover the tragic news.

George Pharoah, 72, who lives in Beech Drive, said he was woken at 5am and saw the cordon along the road.

“It was a shock to hear what happened,” he said. “I have lived here 25 years and I have never seen a fatal crash on that road.”

Kelly Marshall, who has lived on Dunston Road for a month, said: “It’s just awful, that man will have a family and it is getting so close to Christmas. It is just horrible.”

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances around the death and a 37-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has been released on police bail.

Northumbria Police Chief Inspector Jerry Pearson said: “The investigation is in the very early stages and we’re working to establish exactly what has happened and how this man has died. We’re appealing for anyone who was in the area at about 2am on Monday, or has information about the incident, to contact us as soon as possible.”